LTA Now Going After People Who Offer Services To Modify PMDs Into PMAs

Yep. Just another round of PMD articles waiting to be written, waiting to be read.

Or if for some reason you were training in the mountains and haven’t caught up with news, here’s a video explaining everything in perfecto singlish:

Geez, with the negative feelings all around, it sure would be good to have some Positive Mental Attitude about the future. Maybe 2 years down the road (pun… intended?) we’ll have the proper infrastructure for PMDs to drive around without the safety concerns!

Maybe S’pore’s transport will truly be seamless with PMD!

But sadly, this isn’t the wholesome Positive Mental Attitude article you’re looking for… the PMAs in question refers to Personal Mobility Aids.

And if you think about it… a PMD helps people move around. A PMA helps people move around. The ban is only on PMD, not on PMA.

Wait a minute… does this mean…?

Yes. It’s exactly what you’re thinking.

There are companies out there converting PMDs into PMA by adding a third wheel and limiting the speed to 10km/h.

But before you celebrate your brainpower, or start calling the company to modify your PMD, I’d have to warn you that doing so is illegal.

LTA Warning: To Take Enforcement Action

The full post is pasted below, but here’s the gist:

Vendors modifying PMD to PMA are “irresponsible vendors” since it’s a “safety risk to both the user and the public” to do modifications that will change the device’s electrical and mechanical systems.

PMAs are also used by people who actually have difficulty standing, cycling or walking like the elderly or mobility challenged.

LTA “will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those who willfully disregard stipulated criteria and those who conduct such irresponsible modifications.”

In case you skipped over the pic, it says the penalty for a non-compliant PMA is fine up to S$5,000, jail up to 3 months or both.

Which means they will take actions against the vendors and riders.

Yea, can go to jail for riding PMA wor.

Full post:

There have been advertisements claiming to be able to modify e-scooters into personal mobility aids (PMA). These are irresponsible vendors, as such modifications will compromise the original device’s electrical and mechanical systems as well as structural integrity, void its safety certifications, and importantly, pose safety risks to both the user and the public.

PMAs such as wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooters are intended for individuals who have difficulty standing, cycling or walking for prolonged periods of time. Typically used by the elderly or those with mobility challenges, these devices usually have three or more wheels for stability, with a footboard supported by the wheels, as well as a seat for the user who is unable to stand. Most PMAs comply to international standards such as ISO7176 and EN12184 for safety and performance. Their maximum speed is capped at 10km/hour.

Ensuring everyone’s safety is our top priority, both that of the pedestrian, as well as the device user. LTA will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those who wilfully disregard stipulated criteria and those who conduct such irresponsible modifications.

If you’ve read a few delivery rider stories out there, then you might ask:

Chottomatte sensei, then what about the delivery riders who say they switch from bicycle to PMD because they got things like hip injury or heart condition? Can they ride PMA?

I don’t even know if a 10km/h limit is good enough to deliver food, but I don’t have an answer and I guess we have to wait and see. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯